Surprise! I'm back with one more chapter of Christmas Wishes and Paris Kisses. As some of you know, I want to make this into an original work and part of a series...Luka and Sophia's story would be book two. But I wanted to give you a little tease about what is going on with them. Who knows, I might write them on here one day.

Thank you all for the love and support, and a huge Happy New Year 🥳🥂🍾

*****

Luka

Everything seemed to finally be falling into place. Marinette was officially moving back in the new year. Johnny had been advised to leave the company, and the state of New York. Adrien and Emily had gotten their happily ever after, and Nino and Alya had finally tied the knot.

Though, it wasn't exactly how Luka would have expected it four years ago.

Back in his youth, it would have been a more extravagant affair. Loads of people, the media, Marinette as Maid of Honour, with herself and Adrien already married. But then life happened. Life as a superhero with a thousand and one complications which couldn't be avoided.

So, maybe it wasn't as he thought it would be. But that still didn't mean it was wrong, it was just...different.

'It's been beautiful, hasn't it?' His sister, Juleka, sided up next to him, a flute of champagne in her glass and a twinkle in her eye. A twinkle that indicated that this glass may not have been her first.

He smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. 'It really has.'

Looking out onto the dance floor, his eyes spotted a wonderful display of love. Adrien held Emily as he bounced her around on his hip to the Taylor Swift song currently playing. Marinette was singing along and dancing, holding one of Emily's hands. Adrien pulled Marinette in close, not a care in the world for who might see, and kissed her squarely on the lips, before they both kissed Emily's cheeks. A happy family if he'd ever seen one.

'It was a good job, Marinette was here,' Juleka said, obviously noticing where he was currently staring.

Luka laughed. 'Too right.'

One thing he would never understand about women was the order they got changed in.

As they'd all settled down ready for the service, Etta, Alya's younger sister, burst into the ceremony as if the place was on fire. Instead of getting into her dress, Alya had gone through her dress. The heel of her shoe had ripped a hole in the tail of the lace mermaid design and only one person could help. Though, why she'd had her shoes on before the dress was an absolute mystery to him.

Just like when they were younger, Alya needed Marinette. So, with cotton in hand, Marinette had shot out of there ready to save the day once again. It made him smile. Marinette may not have been the maid of honour, or even a part of the ceremony, but they'd worked hard since Christmas to rebuild their relationship. There had been a lot of silence, screaming and crying...but they'd got there eventually. Both of them airing out everything and growing back together stronger...well, hopefully.

A jab in his ribs pulled his attention straight back to his sister, her eyes once again sparkling with mischief. 'So, are you getting a midnight kiss this year?'

Automatically, his eyes scanned the crowds in the ballroom, seeking her out. Just like they did every time they were in the same room. His attention was taken from the dance floor to the corner of the room, where she hid away.

Sophia Hadley. The woman who'd come into his life and sent an earthquake coursing through it. She'd knocked him off guard, making him reevaluate everything he thought he knew and believed.

She stood alone. Her long blonde hair slicked back into a ponytail showing off every perfect detail of her face. She was always so minimalistic in her appearance, yet always looked so goddamn beautiful that he wanted to ring up the Louvre to tell them they were missing a piece of art.

Sophia was a bombshell in every sense of the word, but what made her special was she didn't know it. She was sweet, and kind, yet stood out from in a crowd like a beacon of light.

Her dress was emerald green and hung off her perfectly. The silk settling against her bronzed skin and displaying every inch of her curves, and her slim, long legs. Legs which were regular visitors in his dreams. She was the most beautiful woman in the room, and he wished he could call her his.

He'd tried many times to break down her walls, but she wasn't caving. Something had affected her and there seemed nothing he could do to get her to understand he wasn't like the others.

'I've tried,' he whispered, Juleka moving to look at him better. 'I've tried and there's nothing more I can do.'

Juleka looked from him over to Sophia. 'Maybe you could try one last time. Emily's wish came true, maybe yours could, too.'

Attention back to the new family on the dance floor helped Luka's resolve. Maybe he could give it one last try. He didn't fight for Marinette when he was younger and if anything, Adrien's grand plan of going to New York should show him that for a nice guy to finish first, then they need to put themselves first.

So he would. He would put himself out there and go for the one girl who made his whole tune change.

He smiled down at Juleka, stepping away. 'One more try?'

She wrapped him up in a hug. 'One more try. Good luck.'

Focus firmly placed on Sophia, Luka began to weave his way through the crowds, brushing people off as he headed in his future's direction. She hadn't noticed him, instead she was reaching for something in her bag, most likely her phone. He watched tentatively, as she tapped around on her phone, and positioned it to her ear. Her face changed with each passing second.

He felt it as though he was having the conversation himself. The sudden need to escape for privacy, to understand what was going on. She turned and made her way out of the door towards the foyer and his instincts told him that if he didn't move quickly he would regret it.

He followed her exit, keeping a suitable distance from her, yet keeping her close enough he could see her.

The foyer of the grand hotel was an opulent masterpiece, designed to dazzle and welcome its guests with a sense of elegance and grandeur. Towering ceilings rose above, adorned with intricate moldings and crystal chandeliers that sparkled like constellations in the night sky. The expansive space was warmed by the soft glow of golden light reflecting off polished marble floors, each tile meticulously set in a mosaic of cream, gold, and gray tones.

This December evening, the foyer was transformed into a festive wonderland. A massive Christmas tree stood as the centerpiece, stretching nearly to the ceiling, its branches heavy with carefully placed decorations. Ornaments of deep red, shimmering gold, and frosted white gleamed under the glow of twinkling fairy lights, and garlands of evergreen wound around the base, dotted with pinecones, ribbons, and sparkling snow-like accents. A majestic tree topper in the shape of a golden star seemed to radiate warmth and light.

To one side, a grand staircase with a sweeping curve led to the upper floors, its bannister wrapped in lush greenery interwoven with crimson velvet bows and miniature baubles. The air was infused with a subtle aroma of pine, cinnamon, and vanilla, a perfect complement to the decor. Along the walls, gilded mirrors and framed paintings reflected the holiday brilliance, adding depth and dimension to the already awe-inspiring space.

Clustered near the corners of the foyer, luxurious seating areas were arranged for guests, featuring velvet armchairs in rich jewel tones and small tables adorned with poinsettias and glass bowls filled with ornaments. A roaring fireplace on the far side of the room crackled softly, its mantle decorated with an elaborate arrangement of holly, candles, and miniature nutcracker figurines.

Her pacing disrupted the otherwise serene atmosphere, the tap of her heels against the marble floors echoing faintly. While others mingled, admired the decor, or simply passed through, she moved with an air of tension, her phone pressed to her ear. Her brow was furrowed, her free hand gesturing sharply at times, betraying her worry. The joy of the season seemed distant from her in that moment, her personal turmoil contrasting sharply with the festive splendor surrounding her.

He could feel the unease radiating off her.

She ended the call and made her way to one of the seats settled in the corner. She dropped down, heavy, uncoordinatedly, before burying her beautiful face in her hands.

Luka made his way over needing to try and comfort her. 'Is this seat taken?'

She looked up and he noticed the red rims running around her eyes, the light catching the glistening of tears caught on the bottom of her eyelashes, just waiting to be released. His heart broke. Something was wrong here, and from the rapid beating in his chest he knew this wasn't going to be good.

'I'm sorry,' she said, wiping her fingers underneath her eyes. The black mascara smudged across her face, trails like spiderwebs left in its wake.

He stretched out, taking her hand and pulling it into his lap. Her hands were always so smooth, usually smelling of tropical hibiscus flowers thanks to the moisturiser she kept in her bag. The smell was comforting and familiar.

'What's wrong? You can talk to me if you want.'

Her fingers tightened around his, her hand small and delicate in comparison. He loved the way they slotted together, like two pieces from the same puzzle.

Stuttering out a breath, she opened her mouth to speak, only to close it again. Luka glanced at her, taking in the complexity of her emotions from the way her face had settled.

'I need to go home,' she whispered.

He stroked his thumb over the back of her hand in calming circles. 'That's fine. I'll take you now.'

She shook her head. As their eyes met, everything inside him shattered as a fresh wave of tears escaped her eyes. 'Not here,' she said, her eyes never leaving him. 'I need to go back to London. My mum...she's...she's...'

Before he could comprehend what she was saying, she'd thrown herself into his arms, her body rattling from the sobs pulsing through her. She was uncontrollable and broken, which could only mean one thing: her mother's cancer was back.

She'd lost her father to the same illness three years ago, opening up to Luka on the eve of the anniversary of his death, along with the fact her mother was in remission of the disease too.

Everybody leaves.

Her words had struck him hard, because didn't he just know that. His father had left him. Marinette had left him. And now, Sophia would leave him too.

Everybody leaves.

Closing his eyes, he rested his head on hers, running his fingers through her hair as he cradled her to his chest. He tried to remain calm and steady, but his heart was marching to its own unfortunate rhythm.

Luka Couffaine, the most disastrous lover in Paris. He didn't understand what he did wrong, though maybe the saying was right: nice guys did finish last.

Sophia moved back, her hand wiping under her eyes again. 'I've got to go. I need to pack.'

Everything was running double time in his mind. What about Emily? What about Adrien? What about him? She stood, sights set on the door, but he couldn't leave it like this. She couldn't go without knowing. Without one last kiss.

Reaching her just before she made it out of the hotel, Luka grabbed her arm, pulling her into him with enough force to cause them to stumble backwards.

A countdown sounded around them. The New Year was fast approaching. It was now or never. She couldn't go without knowing how he felt, but the words, for once, weren't coming. Instead, he pulled her closer, pressing his body into hers as he circled his arms around her waist and lowered his head.

The sounds of cheers and Happy New Years rang around them as his lips pressed to hers. Soft. Delicate. Loving. Everything he felt for this dainty firecracker in his arms, the girl who'd shown him what it meant to fall in love, because that's what it was like when she was around. It was love.

Sophia had come into his life at a time he'd given up, concentrating on a career he didn't even want instead. He could remember the first day they'd met more clearly than anything else. He became alive that day. He'd been infected by her. By her joy. By her incredible need for organisation. By her love and support for Adrien and Emily.

Jealousy had swamped him as he thought he had lost out to Adrien again, that he wouldn't get the chance to outshine his friend, but neither of them had eyes for each other. Adrien too caught up in Emily and his remaining feelings for Marinette, and Sophia cutting off any chance of love.

Then one day, after a rather shaky afternoon, Adrien had been convinced to take a walk, his anxiety at an all time high and needing to burn off some excess energy. So, he'd stayed with Sophia and Emily. And that's when they first got talking, and from that moment he never wanted to stop.

He pulled back from the kiss, his eyes opening lazily only to see hers still tightly closed. Her face relaxed and a shrine of beauty.

Cupping a hand on her cheek, he moved in again. This time harder and with more feeling. His lips battled against hers, both of them kissing with high intensity. His a kiss of belonging, hers a kiss of goodbye. He could feel it in the way her mouth moved against his, the way she grasped onto the waistcoat of his suit, the way tears continued to fall against their cheeks.

Every second his heart shattered more as he came to the realisation she had to go. There was no fighting against this one. It wasn't a crazy ex like with Marinette, this was her mother's life. Their families battle, and as much as he wanted to be by her side, he couldn't. They were nothing more than two adults who'd been enjoying each other's company. Friends with benefits and nothing more—she'd told him that regularly.

And now, that's all it ever would be.

Slowly, they separated. His hand remained on her cheek as he rested his forehead to hers. Eyes closed and the taste of her still lingering on his swollen lips. He didn't want to finalise this end. He didn't want to open his eyes and watch her walk away. He couldn't take it.

Slipping his jacket from his shoulders, he placed it over hers, wrapping it tightly around her slender frame.

Without another word, he turned, making his way back into the ballroom with a tight pain in his chest. He stopped at the doorway, glancing over his shoulder to find the area where he'd been with Sophia empty.

She'd gone.

He'd had enough of this evening, wanting nothing more than to leave and lock himself away. But something caught his attention.

In the corner, away from the crowds, he watched as Adrien and Marinette snuck outside, Emily now firmly placed with Tom and Sabine.

A flash of red and green, and the two heroes of Paris launched up into the night sky. Two heroes who had battled against the odds to be together. They'd fought villains, secret identities, a toddler and an abusive ex, yet here they were. Ready to commit their lives to each other, building a new one together.

Hope blossomed in his chest. This was just the end of the first chapter. He wasn't ready to give up on Sophia yet. She was his person, and be damned if she got away from him.

He just needed time.